Oruawairua Walk

Follow the track from the Blumine Island campsite to the Western gun emplacement.

This track has a couple of short steep sections on it, otherwise it follows a gentle gradient around the hill with several lookout points along the way. The track has been upgraded and completed with the generous assistance of Blacks Fasteners.

Experience stunning views over Queen Charlotte Sound and possibly spot some of the wildlife on the island. You could be lucky enough to see the endangered saddleback or orange fronted parakeet.

Check in at one of the weta 'motels' to see if they are resident along the way. Don't feed the plentiful weka and take care they don't steal your lunch.

View of Long Island from the western gun emplacement on Blumine Island/Ōruawairua

Ōruawairua Track is on Blumine Island/Ōruawairua which is 22 km from Picton in Queen Charlotte Sound. You can get there by your own boat, on a water taxi from Picton or by sea kayak.

You will need to go to the island by your own boat, a water taxi from Picton or by sea kayak. There are no moorings or jetties so you need to be prepared to anchor your boat and to get wet feet on the beach landing.

Since you are visiting a pest free island, it is vital that you take steps to ensure you do not jeopardise the island’s pest free status.

If you are taking your own boat be sure to check your vessel for rats, mice and ants. Look for signs of rodents such as droppings and gnawing. Keep fresh bait and/or set traps on your vessel and in the area it is stored.

All gear must be free of rats, mice and ants – especially camping gear which has ideal places for pests to hide when stored. Take extra care to clean gear if you have Argentine ants where you live.

Report any sighting of pests on pest free islands to the DOC emergency hotline: 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).

Water safety

If you plan to enjoy the water, learn how to stay safe when swimming, boating and fishing.

Blumine Island Conservation Project: Working alongside DOC, Blacks Fasteners are supporting the relocation of the endangered yellowhead/mohua onto Blumine Island/Ōruawairua.